The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to external examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfil requirements of various national education systems, the DP model is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best elements of many.
It is a broader system than the London Advanced Level offered at most international schools. The curriculum subjects are studied concurrently and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning: the humanities and the sciences. DP candidates are required to select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). Distribution requirements ensure that the science-orientated student is challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes familiar with science laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing higher level courses allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest while meeting special requirements for university entrance.
Successful DP candidates meet three requirements in addition to the six subjects. The interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is designed to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic areas and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The extended essay of some 4000 words offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
articipation in the creativity, action, service (CAS) requirement encourages students to be involved in creative pursuits, physical activities and service projects in the local, national and international contexts.
Founded in 1957, The Overseas School of Colombo is Sri Lanka's most well established and prestigious school. As of November 2009, 17 percent of students attending OSC are Sri Lankan. An IB world school offering the full programme to all students, OSC is fully accredited by three agencies from North America and Europe.
The school occupies a five acre campus and is both self contained and purpose built. All classrooms are air conditioned and the school prides itself on its small class sizes, which ensures that individual attention is a significant feature of the instructional programme. The facilities of the school are outstanding. It boasts a large playing field, brand new Sports centre inclusive of basketball, volleyball and badminton courts and a state-of-the-art climbing wall. There is also a 25 metre swimming pool which is used for lessons and to host competitions on a local and international basis. The school's two libraries contain more than 22,000 volumes and the three Information Technology Laboratories are testimony to the school's considerable emphasis on technology.
OSC has a counsellor dedicated to assisting students complete their university applications. Our students have gained admission to top colleges and universities worldwide, such as, Australian National University and Monash University in Australia, Mc Gill University and University of Toronto in Canada, London School of Economics, University of Nottingham, and University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, University of California- Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University and University of Chicago in the United States of America, and other recognized institutions in over 15 countries. |
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